BME Communities Invited To Talk Health

Members of Southern Derbyshire’s black and minority ethnic communities are to be given a chance to shape the future of local health services at a special health event on 31 October.

The invitation was extended this week by NHS Southern Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the organisation responsible for planning and buying healthcare for over 525,000 patients in Southern Derbyshire.

The CCG is staging a “Let’s Talk Health” event in the Pakistan Community Centre, Harrington Street, Derby DE23 8PG on Thursday 31 October from 11am to 2pm.

The session will give people the chance to join local health leaders for lunch, give their views on the NHS and learn more about common health conditions.

Everyone attending the event will be able to obtain key information from special stalls that have been put on to raise awareness about the common health issues affecting BME communities. GPs from local practices will also be on hand to talk to people about these health issues which include diabetes, high blood pressure and glaucoma. GPs will also provide expert advice on tackling and avoiding health problems with healthy eating and regular exercise. Stalls will also offer information on dementia services, stopping smoking and support for carers.

Dr Sheila Newport, Chair of NHS Southern Derbyshire CCG, said:

“The CCG is committed to making a significant difference to the quality of healthcare for everyone in our area. We are very much aware that some members of black and minority ethnic communities don’t always find it easy to access health services. So, this is a golden opportunity for people to find out more about local health services and tell health leaders what they think of healthcare where they live.

“Guests will also be able to receive some important advice on leading healthy lifestyles.

“The Let’s Talk About Health event underlines our commitment to build healthcare around the needs and aspirations of our communities, and to do everything we can to help people lead happy, healthy lives.

“The event is totally free, and there’ll be interpreters for people who need them.”

Starting at 11am the event has group sessions in which people will be able to have their say on health services. Lunch from 12 noon to 1pm will include opportunities to chat with health leaders.

From 1pm to 1.45pm, guests will be encouraged to visit a string of health stalls on subjects including keeping well in winter and spotting the signs of glaucoma. There will also be lots of information on voluntary and community services.

Visitors to stalls will be able to answer quiz questions with a chance to win a prize that will be revealed on the day. The winner will be announced at 1.45pm before the event closes at 2pm.

For more details and to book a place, please call the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 032 32 35.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

NHS Southern Derbyshire CCG represents 57 GP practices and is one of four clinical commissioning groups in the county responsible for the healthcare of people in Derbyshire.